So what are the chances the 49ers can overtake the Seahawks in the NFC West during the second half of the season?
Looking at their schedules, both teams play the same six opponents, which includes New Orleans, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Atlanta, and of course, each other.
For the other two, the 49ers play Washington, while the Seahawks play the Giants and the 49ers play Carolina (at Candlestick after the bye) while Seattle hosts the Vikings. The Panthers are far better than the Vikings, the Giants are not as bad as they have showed and Washington has struggled.
Overall, the Seahawks play a worse schedule, also the 49ers have to go to New Orleans, while the Seahawks get the Saints in Seattle. But, the Seahawks have to come to Candlestick on Dec. 8.
The 49ers are seemingly getting healthier, while the Seahawks continue with their string of injuries. Today it was revealed that wide receiver Sidney Rice is out for the year with a torn ACL, just as Percy Harvin is returning.
The 49ers are getting a slew of players back, including rookie defensive end Tank Carradine, who was activated on Monday. Meanwhile, Seattle’s two starting offensive tackles, Russell Okung (torn tendon in his toe) and Breno Giacomini (scope on his knee) are expected back within a week or two.
So the question remains can the 49ers still win the NFC West?